The panel discussion will feature three men and one woman.

Shoosmiths has defended its plan to have a predominantly male panel discuss gender diversity for International Women's Day after receiving criticism on social media.

In a tweet, the U.K. firm said that the event would focus on "discussing gender equality, diversity and inclusion from the perspectives of predominantly male 'champions of women' on our GOOD Guys panel". The firm added the session, which is to feature three male panelists and one woman and will be moderated by two women, is an "alternative spin" on the day of recognition for women's rights and achievements.

The tweet attracted criticism online. One woman commented on the firm's tweet about the event: "Why does International Women's Day need an alternative spin? Do men not get enough airtime?"

Another tweeted: "Your organisation has 364 other days of the year to book many male-centered events."

Matrix Chambers barrister Kirsten Sjøvoll tweeted: "Fed up with all female panels? Want to know what men think IWD is all about? Tired of men not having a voice on the one day a year dedicated to women and women's rights? Worry not, Shoosmiths has you covered."

Sjøvoll later told Law.com U.K.: "I am sure there is a good intent behind this and that it is important men are allies to women in the feminist cause (though I do not think this means centering men in feminism) but given that men tend to be over represented on legal panels at the best of time, suggesting this for International Women's Day seems poorly thought out."

Responding to the criticism, a spokesperson for Shoosmiths said in a statement: "We understand there are lots of views on this subject but we are proud to be hosting this important discussion on Thursday based on the GOOD Guys programme, developed by the National Conference of Women's Bar Association (NCWBA) from the U.S., collaborating with U.S.-based Institute for Inclusion in the Legal Profession (IILP).

"This is one of a number of sessions on this topic being run by NCWBA and IILP in the U.K. Teresa Beck, one of the session moderators and a board member of NCWBA will explain what GOOD Guys is, how it started and how it can contribute to breaking the impasse in women's advancement.

"We'll also hear from Stephanie Boyce, deputy vice president of The Law Society who is on the panel and will be contributing to the session. This will be followed by a panel discussion co-moderated by Teresa Beck and senior associate Priti Bansel-Branch from Shoosmiths."